HIMYM has been declining rapidly in quality since the second season, with very few episodes leaving a thorough impression. Thankfully, the seventh season (albeit, very late now) has got off to a very promising start and "Ducky Tie" is one of the finest 22 minutes of the show.
Ashley Williams returns as the insanely endearing Victoria, from way back in Season 1. She remains a true stand out in this episode, as does Barney Stinson. Neil Patrick Harris is always terrific, and in the show, the strongest cast member for sure. Where some of his womanizing aspects are getting very repetitive, what does not get repetitive is his cunning wit. In this episode, he manages to play the viewer and the characters perfectly when he claims to be able to play the role of chef in a Japanese diner. Should he win, he gets to touch Lily's breasts for a given time limit, and should he fail, he must wear Marshall's duck tie for a year.
There are elements of "Slap Bet" in this episode, mostly from a story perspective. However, one of the best aspects of this episode (which, ironically, is usually one of my biggest criticisms) is the excellent use of structure. The story really only flashes back to Ted and Victoria once Barney's storyline reaches a point where it needs to hold a moment. It was clever, and it was funny, because it felt like the writers deliberately attempted to underplay the romantic hinting at Victoria and Ted.
To bring back Victoria and Ashley Williams has been one of the show's best decisions, as confirmed in this episode. I loved this episode from start to finish, and featured plenty of memorable character moments from a group of usually ordinary characters.
Ashley Williams returns as the insanely endearing Victoria, from way back in Season 1. She remains a true stand out in this episode, as does Barney Stinson. Neil Patrick Harris is always terrific, and in the show, the strongest cast member for sure. Where some of his womanizing aspects are getting very repetitive, what does not get repetitive is his cunning wit. In this episode, he manages to play the viewer and the characters perfectly when he claims to be able to play the role of chef in a Japanese diner. Should he win, he gets to touch Lily's breasts for a given time limit, and should he fail, he must wear Marshall's duck tie for a year.
There are elements of "Slap Bet" in this episode, mostly from a story perspective. However, one of the best aspects of this episode (which, ironically, is usually one of my biggest criticisms) is the excellent use of structure. The story really only flashes back to Ted and Victoria once Barney's storyline reaches a point where it needs to hold a moment. It was clever, and it was funny, because it felt like the writers deliberately attempted to underplay the romantic hinting at Victoria and Ted.
To bring back Victoria and Ashley Williams has been one of the show's best decisions, as confirmed in this episode. I loved this episode from start to finish, and featured plenty of memorable character moments from a group of usually ordinary characters.